The Memorial of Purim
A Festival of Deliverance and Courage
The memorial of Purim is a festive commemoration of Israel’s miraculous deliverance from destruction in the land of Persia during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). This story is detailed in the Book of Esther in both the Bible and the Apocrypha, and it honors the faith and courage of Mordecai and Queen Esther, two Israelites of the tribe of Benjamin.
Historical Background and Conflict
After King Ahasuerus removed his former queen for disobedience, he sought a new bride through a royal competition. At Mordecai’s instruction, his cousin Hadassah (Esther) concealed her nationality and entered the contest. She won the king’s favor and became queen (Esther 2).
Meanwhile, Haman the Agagite, a descendant of Amalek and advisor to the king, developed a deep hatred for the Jews—particularly Mordecai, who refused to bow to him. Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews in the empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia. He cast Pur (lots) to choose the day for their destruction, hence the name Purim (Esther 3:7).
Esther 9:24 – “Because Haman… had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them.”
In the Apocrypha (Esther 16:10–14), Haman (Aman), a Macedonian and foreigner to Persian blood, is described as one who repaid royal favor with deceit, plotting to destroy both Mordecai and Queen Esther, and sought to transfer the kingdom to the Macedonians.
Esther's Intervention and Deliverance
Encouraged by Mordecai’s famous words—
Esther 4:14 – “…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”—
Esther risked her life by approaching the king uninvited. She fasted for three days and invited the king and Haman to two banquets. At the second, she revealed Haman’s plot. The king, enraged, ordered that Haman be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7).
Since the original decree could not be revoked (Daniel 6:8), a new law was written by Mordecai, allowing the Jews to defend themselves on Adar 13. They did so with great success, slaying their enemies throughout the provinces. The Jews in rural areas celebrated their victory on Adar 14, and those in the capital Shushan on Adar 15 (Esther 9:17–19).
Establishment of the Feast
Esther 9:20–22 – “And Mordecai wrote these things… that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day… as the days wherein the Jews rested… and made them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”
Queen Esther and Mordecai confirmed this memorial through a royal letter, establishing it for all generations (Esther 9:28–29).
Spiritual Significance and Observance
The festival of Purim is not only a cultural celebration, but also a memorial of the Most High’s providential protection over His people. Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman was rooted in obedience to YHWH’s command to oppose Amalek (Exodus 17:14–16). Esther’s courage and fasting reflected her trust in the Most High.
Esther 4:16 – “…I also and my maidens will fast likewise… and so will I go in unto the king… and if I perish, I perish.”
Purim is celebrated today by the descendants of Israel with:
- Feasting and gladness
- Sending food and gifts to one another
- Offering charity to the poor
It reminds us to trust in the Most High, to act with integrity like Mordecai, and to be courageous and faithful like Queen Esther.
Esther 9:28 – “…these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.”
All praises to the Most High, who delivereth and saveth His people.
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